Venture’s officers take on Covid-19 marshal duties

Venture’s town and city centre security officers are supporting local authorities in meeting their Covid-19 marshalling requirements, in three different areas across the region.

Alongside their daily patrols, which help reduce antisocial behaviour, support local retailers and help alleviate pressure on the police, Venture’s officers will be working closely with local council enforcement officers in Fareham, Basingstoke and Winchester, to ensure rules are adhered to for the safety of all.

The introduction of Covid-19 marshals forms part of a range of measures designed by the government to help reduce the spread of the virus, with special grants being provided for activities which support compliance.

Paul Howe, MD at Venture Security, commented: “Our fully trained and experienced officers have been conducting patrols in towns and city centres across the region for many years now and increasing their responsibilities to fulfil a Covid-19 marshal role offered a readymade solution for local authorities. We look forward to supporting councils, BIDs, residents and retailers to ensure rules are followed, for the safety of everyone.”

From 2 December, when the latest lockdown came to an end, much of the south of England was placed in Tier 2 and facing a range of restrictions. This includes rules for interacting with others outside of a household and for visiting public buildings, venues, shops and pubs.

As part of their Covid-19 marshal responsibilities, Venture’s officers will be liaising with the general public, answering questions and promoting the wearing of face coverings and social distancing measures. In addition, they will support businesses to ensure they remain Covid-19-safe, such as through queuing and one-way systems.

With the run up to Christmas being the busiest time of the year for most retailers, it is hoped these measures will help encourage visitors back to the high street and spending with local businesses once more.

Jane Stewart, Chief Executive of Basingstoke Together, commented: "The Rangers are very popular with businesses and visitors to the town centre. They provide reassurance, a friendly welcome, a reminder to all of government guidelines and are on hand to give directions and answer questions. The additional new Covid-19 marshals will reassure our visitors that Basingstoke town centre is a safe place to come and shop in the run up to Christmas and beyond."

Venture’s town and city centre team

Venture award-winning town and city centre security officers are currently active in Andover, Salisbury, Basingstoke, Winchester and Fareham.

As the first organisation of its kind to be accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) for city centre security, in both Hampshire and Wiltshire, Venture’s accredited officers also have certain low-level police powers, giving them even greater scope to deal with antisocial behaviour.

Read more here:

• Celebrating two years of the Winchester BID Rangers scheme
• Venture’s officers awarded low level police powers
• Are private security firms doing the job of the police?

For more information, call us on 01264 391 538 or email office@venturesec.co.uk